Hiking, most likely, was invented in the UK. Scores of 19th century romantic novelists described their country through the eyes of their key figures walking the paths of their countryside! Still today, the British Isles are very welcoming to walkers. We admit, it does rain now and again. But such lovely nature is the result, with forever green, lush meadows and hills dotted with sheep. Always keep in mind: bad weather doesn't exist, only bad clothing. So put on your coat and discover the thousands of miles of British long distance footpaths.

All British long distance footpaths are worth walking, but some stand out in popularity. The Coast to Coast Path in the north of England, crossing the famous Lake District and two other national parks, is one of these. Another is the South West Coast Path, almost 600 miles of rugged coast, seagulls and fish'n chips. If you prefer to set out your own trail, Scotland and the Inner and Outer Hebrides are the place to go. The UK is also home to the so-called Peak Baggers, folk who will not rest before they have climbed every hill over 3000 feet (the Munroes).

Some 19 footpaths comprise the so called "National Trails", and you can decide they are more rewarding than others. Bear in mind that this is not the case; other trails can be of equal beauty. The popular Coast to Coast Path has no official status whatsoever! Anyway, here are the 19 National Trails:

South West coast Path, 631 miles, 1016 km, 45 days

Pennine Way, 270 miles, 435 km, 18 days

Thames Path, 183 miles, 294 km, 11 days

North Downs Way, 152 miles, 245 km, 11 days

Pennine Bridleway, 121 miles, 195 km, 7 days

Cleveland Way, 109 miles, 176 km, 9 days

Cotswold Way, 102 miles, 164 km, 7 days

South Downs Way, 101 miles, 163 km, 6 days

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path, 93 miles, 149 km, 7 days

The Ridgeway, 87 miles, 139 km, 6 days

Hadrian's Wall Path, 84 miles, 135 km, 6 days

Yorkshire Wolds Way, 79 miles, 127 km, 6 days

So far England, now Wales:

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, 186 miles, 299 km, 12 days

Offa's Dyke Path, 177 miles, 285 km, 11 days

Glyndwr's Way, 132 miles, 213 km, 9 days

And four so called Long Distance Routes in Scotland:

Southern Upland Way, 212 miles, 341 km, 12 days

West Highland Way, 95 miles, 153 km, 6 days

Speyside Way, 84 miles, 135 km, 6 days

Great Glen Way, 73 miles, 117 km, 6 days

Ordnance Survey publishes maps, and there are trail guidebooks of most footpaths. The guides usually include detailed maps, so you won't have to buy these separately. All footpaths are meticulously waymarked. Although British mountains are not as challenging as the Alps, when walking the mountains of Scotland and Wales be prepared for sudden spells of wind, rain and dropping temperatures during all seasons. Hypothermia and exhaustion are a real danger, so bring proper clothes. When walking more remote trails, also bring a tent and camping gear, including protective measures against the legendary midges; tiny mosquito's that will attack relentlessly during the long summer evenings. In more populated areas you will find lodging at regular intervals, such as B&B's, Youth Hostels and hotels.

Facts

Anthony Dyer does a very good job describing the many hiking possibilities in the UK - especially the Munro's in Scotland - and Norway. He has a good hand of photographing and there is even a section on how to become a good photographer yourself. Recommended.

Reports

Annierak? "That's Me That Is!". She's collecting trails like you and me collect stamps. Follow this sunspectacled girl "busy trying to do as many National Trails, LDPs, Regional Routes and Local walks as possible."

"Since the beginning of 1999 I have made over 800 walks throughout the UK, totalling over 14,000 miles. This website details all of these walks". David Coton maintains a great hiking page! The word "details" above is an understatement...

David Cotton is a real British trailblazer and some of the finest texts on the internet are his. He also keeps a blog, with some hiking, but mostly more general observations: "Thoughts on the state of the world".

This site is about backpacking mainly in mountainous and remote regions of England, Wales and Scotland, but also covers a few low-level routes and day walks. The backpack routes are mostly self-designed and exclusively wild-camped. The Trips&Photos section lists all the routes by date and area.

Lodging

Organisations

As they write: "The LDWA is an Association of people with the common interest of walking long distances in rural, mountainous or moorland areas." The Long Distance Walking Association is member of the European Ramblers' Association.

Other

Lightweight Camping provides detailed tips information and advice on how to get the most out of camping light - on foot or by bike, canoe or car. From picking a campsite in the wild to coping with bad weather, tips for campers with some or no experience on gear, luggage, campsites and camping with kids.Read more

An instructive guidebook explaining map and compass techniques, to help readers enhance their outdoor experiences. Whether you are experienced in map-reading, or have never used a compass before, this guidebook will sharpen your skills and have you exploring new areas in no time. There are also tips for GPS and digital mapping technologies.Read more

An instructive guidebook explaining map and compass techniques, to help readers enhance their outdoor experiences. Whether you are experienced in map-reading, or have never used a compass before, this guidebook will sharpen your skills and have you exploring new areas in no time. There are also tips for GPS and digital mapping technologies.Read more

Inspiring guide to 82 walking routes reaching the tops of the UK's 91 historic counties in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, from Inverness-shire's Ben Nevis (1344m) to Huntingdonshire's Boring Field (80m) visiting 10 national parks and the full range of UK countryside. OS maps, colour photography, many county facts.Read more

Inspiring guide to 82 walking routes reaching the tops of the UK's 91 historic counties in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, from Inverness-shire's Ben Nevis (1344m) to Huntingdonshire's Boring Field (80m) visiting 10 national parks and the full range of UK countryside. OS maps, colour photography, many county facts. Wherever you...Read more

A comprehensive and practical manual for the hillwalker, covering equipment, safety, navigation, survival and photography. This guidebook contains information on organisations, the hill environment, weather and nature in the hills. The aim is to equip walkers with all the practical skills needed to plan and execute a great day in the hills.Read more

100 Greatest Walks in Britain is a filofax style guide produced on waterproof, tear-resistant paper. Double sided walk route sheets have been designed to be removed from the complete file and used as note cards in the field.Designed in conjunction with Country Walking, walk routes are clearly graded for length and difficulty, with step-by-step...Read more

100 Greatest Walks in Britain is a filofax style guide produced on waterproof, tear-resistant paper. Double sided walk route sheets have been designed to be removed from the complete file and used as note cards in the field.Designed in conjunction with Country Walking, walk routes are clearly graded for length and difficulty, with step-by-step...Read more

A geological map at 1:625,000 from the British Geological Survey showing bedrock geology of the southern part of the United Kingdom. Coverage extends north to Hartlepool and Workington (National Grid line 540km north) and overlaps generously with the Northern UK sheet. Current 7th edition was published in 2007.Map detail is generalised from the...Read more

A geological map at 1:625,000 from the British Geological Survey showing bedrock geology of the southern part of the United Kingdom, plus an 88-page explanatory booklet. Coverage extends north to Hartlepool and Workington (National Grid line 540km north), and overlaps generously with the Northern UK sheet. Current 7th edition was published in...Read more

Bedrock geology maps of the UK at 1:625,000 from the British Geological Survey, covering the country on two overlapping sheets, north and south. Each sheet is available either as a folded map, a pack of a map plus an 88-page explanatory booklet, or as a wall map. Current 7th edition was published in 2007.Map detail is generalised from the...Read more

A geological wall map at 1:625,000 from the British Geological Survey showing bedrock geology of the southern part of the United Kingdom (size 112 x 110cm / 44” x 39.5” approx). Coverage extends north to Hartlepool and Workington (National Grid line 540km north), and overlaps generously with the Northern UK sheet. Current 7th edition was...Read more

Explore the whole of Great Britain on your GPS device in the renowned detail of OS Landranger mapping with this microSDÖ card Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K. Also includes NAVTEQ road data and points of interest, and you'll get turn-by-turn directions to youRead more

3 days of walking alongside the most spectacular section of Hadrian’s Wall. This itinerary is perfect for a short break. This fascinating and rewarding journey alongside one of Britain’s iconic landmarks makes for a great short break walking tour. It follows the central section along the most preserved areas of the wall.
Hadrian’s Wall is...Read more

A self-guided walking tour of Royal Deeside, staying in the villages of Ballater and Braemar, which flank the Queen's Highland home - Balmoral. Walk through the forests, lochs and glens close to Queen Victoria’s beloved Balmoral, as you explore easy trails in the Cairngorms, the Royal Family’s treasured ‘Highland home’. Royal Deeside is found...Read more

9 days & 8 nights Great Glen Way in Style self guided walking holiday. Our Great Glen Way In Style walking holiday delivers a unique and truly memorable visit to Scotland for walkers wishing to experience the Great Glen Way in comfort and style. Stay in hand-picked hotels with first class service, traditional Scottish hospitality and culinary...Read more

Explore the magical Isle of Skye on a 4-night walking break. Escape to the Isle of Skye on the perfect 4-night short break, including a magical steam train ride on the ’Hogwarts Express’, an expertly guided day trip taking in Skye’s mountains, rocky peninsulas, remote lochs and wild beaches, topped off with some great walking.
Starting with...Read more

A 6 - 8 day self guided walking holiday along the Ceredigion Coast Path. The Ceredigion Coast Path follows 60 miles of dramatic coastline on the west coast of Wales. Secluded coves, sandy beaches, rugged clifftops and charming fishing villages are some of the highlights along the path. Much of the walking follows the designated Heritage Coast...Read more

Walking tour from Padstow to St Ives on the Cornwall Coast Path. Walk along Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast from the charming seaside town of Padstow to bustling St Ives on the South West Coast Path.
Golden beaches, picturesque fishing villages, wild seas crashing and secluded coves are all features of this wonderful week of walking.
As you head...Read more

A self guided walking holiday around the Northumberland Coastline. Starting your walking holiday in the fishing village of Cresswell, you follow the sweeping sands of Druridge, past the fishing port of Amble to the historic village of Warkworth where you can see Warkworth Castle - the first of many on the walk. Leaving Warkworth you pass...Read more

A cross-border, self guided walking tour along St Cuthbert's Way. St Cuthbert’s Way is a historical self-guided walking tour through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland countryside. It finishes with a memorable walk across coastal flats to spectacular Holy Island, one of Europe’s most famous Christian sites.
During your adventure, you will...Read more

A 79 mile walk along the Great Glen Way long distance trail with hand picked accommodation and bag transfer. The Great Glen Way is a 79-mile walk through Scotland’s most famous Glen; crossing on foot from Fort William, via the famed shores of Loch Ness, to Inverness. The Great Glen Way takes you through beautiful forests, past peaceful working...Read more

An 8 day and 7 night walking & wildlife on Mull and Iona self guided drive and walking holiday. Explore the spectacular Inner Hebridean Isles of Mull and Iona on foot on this drive and hike adventure. This area is home to playful marine mammals and majestic sea eagles, as well as stunning Highland scenery just begging to be explored. Walk in...Read more

Walking from Edale to Kirk Yetholm through the Peak District, The Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. In 1965 the Pennine Way was designated as Britain’s first National Trail and on this itinerary you will walk it in it’s entirety, from Edale to Kirk Yetholm. Today it is one of the UK’s most famous long-distance footpaths.
This magnificent...Read more

Independent self-drive tour in Scotland, with a choice of daily hikes. Discover the best of the romantic Highlands, the mystical Isle of Skye and majesty of Edinburgh on this walking and discovery self-drive tour of Scotland. Deep brooding lochs, jagged peaks, imposing castles and freshly-caught seafood are just a few of the delights you can...Read more

A walking holiday on the Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast. Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast is a combination of The Moyle Way and the Causeway Coastal Walk, two walks that display the wide array of natural riches that this corner of Northern Ireland has to offer. The trip highlights the diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and geological wonder...Read more

This itinerary fits perfectly into a weeks holiday and gives you plenty of time to enjoy Guernsey. Walking on Guernsey changes with the seasons. Springtime is a delight when the ancient woodland is sprinkled with bluebells and summer is a riot of colour with exotic flowers in full bloom — around every corner you really are greeted with a...Read more

A foodie week of walking and dining - staying at stylish top hotel-restaurants. Savour Scotland’s bountiful larder and rugged landscapes on a week filled with sumptuous fine dining, luxurious boutique hotels and walks exploring Perthshire and the west coast of Scotland.
A menu of walks range from short loch-side strolls to longer trails...Read more